Daniel Hils
I have been shown a statement by Councilwoman Dennard;“People have to understand this situation is bigger than City Manager Harry Black. This is also about the culture of the Cincinnati Police Department that treats black officers different than white officers and an unwillingness by our city government to address it.”
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The narrative of division is how so many in our politics advance their name. The decision to keep or separate with the manager remains a decision of council members. My role was to report the experiences that I have had under his authority.
I was critical of the manger for saying that we have a rogue element that is undermining the Chief because of his skin color. I am also disheartened by this statement, which again focuses on division. The culture of the police department is determined by our citizens, department members, and our leaders at city hall.
By making negative blanket statements about the agency without evidence to substantiate them, Ms. Dennard is creating a toxic atmosphere in our community.
Whatever happens in this power struggle at city hall, I ask that racial hand grenades stop being thrown into our agency. We are the peacemakers on the streets and for the most part we work very well together. The Cincinnati Police Department is an example of how effective a diverse workforce can be.
Daniel J. Hils President, FOP#69
Daniel Hils shared Tamaya Dennard's post.
Here is Councilwomen Tamaya Dennard's complete post/statement.
What's happening at City Hall is incredibly sad. I was elected to look after the people's interest in our city government. I resent being put in this situation but I'm determined to act in the best interest of our city.
1) People have to understand this situation is bigger than City Manager Harry Black. This is also about the culture of the Cincinnati Police Department that treats black officers different than white officers and an unwillingness by our city government to address it. There are also people within our police department who don't want to be a part of the Collaborative Agreement. They want to go back to doing business the way they used to and not having any accountability for their policing methods.
2) Our city can't pay hundreds of thousands of dollars every time we have a personality dispute PERIOD. Do you know what that money can mean for our city? Particularly neighborhoods and communities that have been left behind? This is not fiscally in the best interest of our city.
3) We can't circumvent the City Charter when we don't like how things have played out. The Fraternal Order of Police can't run our city. The power is with the people and we must never forget that.
4) There is a difference between title and power. Yes, Chief Eliot Isaac can remain the Chief but what power will he actually have? I'm not going for the head fake.
I can take the name calling, the racist and sexist comments that people throw at me whenever they don't like something I do. I have the thickest of skin. It's the least of my worries. It won't deter me from working to try to get the best resolution all the way around. We can act like it's about strip clubs but it's not. I refuse to take my eye off the ball. #BigPicture